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Israel responds to resumption of negotiations

7/21/2013

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PM Netanyahu: "I view the resumption of the diplomatic process at this
time as a vital strategic interest of the State of Israel. It is
important to try and bring about the conclusion of the conflict between
us and the Palestinians."

US Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman, JordanCopyright: Copyright: State Department photo/ Public Domain

US Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman, Jordan. Copyright: State Department photo/ Public Domain

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PM Netanyahu's remarks following US Secy. of State John Kerry's announcement on the resumption of the diplomatic process

"I
view the resumption of the diplomatic process at this time as a vital
strategic interest of the State of Israel. It is important in and of
itself in order to try and bring about the conclusion of the conflict
between us and the Palestinians, and it is important in light of the
strategic challenges that are before us, mainly from Iran and Syria.

With
the resumption of the diplomatic process, we are faced with two main
goals: Preventing the creation of a bi-national state between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River that would endanger the future of
the Jewish state and preventing the establishment of an additional
Iranian-sponsored terrorist state on Israel's borders, which would
endanger us no less.

I would like to thank US Secretary of State
John Kerry for putting in the great efforts that have led to the
resumption of the process. I expect that the talks will be conducted in a
serious and responsible manner.

As Prime Minister of Israel, I
am committed, first and foremost, to the security of the citizens of
Israel and I will strongly uphold the security demands of the State of
Israel, as well as its vital interests."

President Peres spoke with Secretary of State John Kerry (Communicated by the Office of the President)

Following
on the announcement regarding the re-starting of peace talks between
Israel and the Palestinians, President Shimon Peres and Secretary of
State Kerry spoke and discussed the latest developments. President Peres
congratulated Secretary Kerry on the breakthrough and said, "I want to
congratulate you for a fantastic job. No issue was too small for you."

President
Peres stressed that Israel will continue to support the peace process
despite the difficulties and said, "I believe there is a chance now and
we will continue to do all we can to support. I think it's an opening,
it wasn't simple and we have to continue the momentum."

Secretary
Kerry thanked President Peres for his support with restarting the talks
and said that he hoped the two sides would continue because there is
now a real chance for peace.

President Shimon Peres also
spoke on Sunday morning (21 July 2013) with Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas, and congratulated him on his decision to return
to the negotiating table.

President Peres said, "There
is no alternative to peace, not for us and not for you. You took a
brave and historic decision to return to negotiations - don't listen to
the skeptics, you did the right thing. Prime Minister Netanyahu also
made a brave decision and he understands it is a historic call. We will
do all we can to solve the conflict and to live together in peace. We
want to see both nations going down the right path."

President
Peres stressed that Hamas brings only destruction to its people and
said, "Hamas has to understand that terror will not provide food for its
people, only the path of peace can do that."

Palestinian
Authority President Abbas thanked President Peres for his words and said
he hopes that they will continue and conclude the peace process which
was started many years ago. He expressed his hope that progress will be
made and that there will be an independent Palestinian state living in
peace alongside the State of Israel.